In the latest episode of Dial It In, hosts Trygve Olsen and Nicole Fairclough welcome Brie Rehak, a remarkable entrepreneur who turned her passion for cheese into a thriving business, firmly establishing herself as a cheese magnate. This episode delves into Brie's unparalleled journey—starting from humble beginnings in her kitchen to becoming a prominent figure in Wisconsin's competitive cheese industry.
Brie's entry into the cheese world was almost serendipitous. Following an unexpected layoff and the onset of COVID-19, Brie found herself at a crossroads. As a mother who craved more than just being a stay-at-home mom, Brie turned to an artsy and fulfilling hobby: creating charcuterie boards. This creative outlet quickly evolved into a business as demand grew, especially around the two-day shelf life challenge of fresh boards.
Recognizing the need for a product with a longer shelf life, Brie embarked on creating her own cheese brand. This strategic move not only extended the functionality of her product line but also carved out a unique niche for herself in the cheese market. Her cheeses, including standout varieties like Merlot Cheddar and Bourbon Cheddar, became a signature of her brand, "That Girl Brie," offering a symphony of flavors perfectly curated for charcuterie boards.
Brie's journey was not without its challenges and learning curves. From securing proper licensing to deciding to work for Harmony Cheese, Brie shares the intricacies of building a brand from the ground up. The support from the Small Business Development Center was instrumental in crafting a robust business plan, understanding the financials, and taking calculated steps toward expanding her brand.
Beyond just selling cheese, Brie prides herself on elevating the charcuterie experience. Her grazing tables are a testament to her passion for creating visually stunning and delicious spreads, each a masterpiece that reflects her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality. These tables not only offer variety but also engage guests in a culinary treasure hunt of flavors and textures.
Brie's commitment to modernizing the cheese-buying experience led her to develop a strong online presence, ensuring that her products are accessible and easy to purchase. Working in collaboration with Trygve's team, Brie successfully launched Harmony Cheese's new website, embracing e-commerce to capture a wider audience.
Brie's story is one of passion intertwined with resilience. She found joy and purpose in cultivating her cheese business, proving that success comes from doing what you love with dedication and creativity. Her journey, from an unexpected layoff to becoming a guiding force in the cheese industry, is both inspiring and educational, offering vital lessons for anyone looking to turn their passion into profit.
From start to finish, Brie Rehak's journey is a testament to the power of pursuing one's passion with gusto and hard work. Her ability to blend creativity with business acumen exemplifies how personal interests can transform into successful entrepreneurial ventures. As Brie continues to innovate and grow her brand, she remains a shining example of what it means to follow your dreams and create something extraordinary.
Connect with Brie and explore her cheese creations at [HarmonyCheese.com](https://HarmonyCheese.com), where her full line of delectable cheeses is available for shipment. Whether you're a cheese enthusiast or an entrepreneur at heart, Brie's journey provides a delicious blueprint for success.
Connect with Brie:
LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/brianne-rehak-2ab4b756
Harmony Cheese - https://harmonycheese.com/
Harmony Cheese Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyCheese
Harmony Cheese Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/harmonycheesewi/
That Girl Brie - https://thatgirlbrie.com/
That Girl Brie Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThatGirlBrieBoxesAndBoards/
That Girl Brie Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thatgirlbrieboxesandboards/?hl=en
Other Mentioned Brands
Facepunch Hot Sauces - https://www.facepunchfoods.com/
Lucky Guys Distillery - https://www.luckyguysdistillery.com/
Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
01:19 Meet Our Sponsor: WeFixHubSpot.com
02:00 Introducing Brie Rehak and Her Cheese Journey
04:04 From Hobby to Business: The Charcuterie Board Story
10:22 Navigating Licensing and Commercial Kitchens
19:41 Creating a Unique Cheese Brand
24:42 The Unexpected Job Offer
25:31 Meeting the Cheese Maker
26:21 Creating Unique Cheeses
26:59 Challenges in Cheese Making
28:15 The Role of Social Media
28:58 The Blueberry Maple Cheese
32:38 Building a Modern Website
35:46 The NFL Draft and Cheese Launch
39:43 The Art of Grazing Tables
44:59 Opening a Retail Space
48:32 Concluding Thoughts